Herbal Tea

What Is Herbal Tea?

Herbal teas have been popular for a very long time, though, it's important to note that, they are in fact, not “true teas” at all, unlike black, green, and white teas, they are NOT made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Rather, they are herbal infusions (or tisanes) of fruits, flowers, roots, herbs, plants, and spices that are caffeine-free and offer an explosion of flavours, with floral, citrus, tart, tangy, and many other notes. Indeed, if you’re looking to get into herbal teas, you’ll find there is something for just about everyone, whether you prefer something sweeter, more earthy, or anything in-between. Herbal teas are a wonderful alternative to sugary juices and drinks and a fun way to liven up your eight daily glasses of water.

Herbal teas also sometimes feature medicinal herbs and plants (in isolated form or blends) with therapeutic properties/health-promoting benefits. These types of herbal teas may better be described as medicinal teas, and have been a part of traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and are used as remedies to help maintain health. Some of the most commonly used medicinal herbal teas include those that offer detoxification support, relief from constipation, inflammation, gas, and bloating, as well as those for stress and sleep support, relief from the cold and flu, and myriad others. Herbal teas can be purchased as loose leaf tea, in teabags, as well as in powdered form.

Herbal Tea - Taste, Texture, Aroma

With thousands of herbal teas come thousands of different flavour profiles and aromas. Some herbal infusions may feature ingredients that are more bitter, tart, or astringent, or alternately, spicy or earthy and taste better in blends, while others are sweet, mellow, and delicious on their own. From a flavour and aroma standpoint, herbal teas are typically divided up into four categories:

Light – giving off a subtle and airy fresh smell and taste

Fresh – having a pure and clean smell and flavour

Bright – smelling and tasting lively and clean, and refreshing the palate

Clean – have a purity of flavours and absence of aftertaste

Preparing Herbal Tea

Most herbal teas can be prepared with boiling water, which makes brewing very easy; however, it's important to note that, unlike black tea which steeps for only 2 to 3 minutes, herbal teas require longer to yield their full flavour and health-promoting benefits, typically anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Before brewing, check if there are any special instructions printed on the label.

Some herbal teas taste more earthy or bitter than others, so adding lemon, honey or any other sweetener may be something to consider.

Herbal teas are very versatile and can be brewed according to your preference. In the summer, you may prefer a delicious, iced herbal tea, while in the winter you may prefer brewing a nice warm cup of tea to ward off the chill.

Most Popular Herbal Teas

Chamomile – is an all-time favourite, prized for its calming effect and ability to soothe the stomach. Chamomile has mellow, delicate, and slightly floral notes, and is often paired with a little sugar, milk, or honey.

Ginger – a tummy favourite, ginger tea has a warming, slightly peppery, spicy, and sweet taste. It is known to soothe nausea and promote healthy digestion.

Hibiscus – zesty, beautiful, and full of character is often how this fan-favourite is often described. More concretely, hibiscus tea offers fruity, sweet, sour, and astringent notes. It is also packed with antioxidants, helps promote healthy liver function, and aids weight loss.

Peppermint – one of the most popular herbal teas, peppermint has a lightly sweet, cool, and refreshing flavour with a tingling finish. It may help freshen breath, calm the stomach, reduce congestion, and aid digestion.

Rooibos – made using leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub grown on the western coast of South Africa, rooibos is incredibly smooth and gentle with a natural sweetness and slightly nutty taste. It is said to help support the body’s stress response.

Rosehip – has a delicate floral flavour that's naturally sweet, and leaves a distinct aftertaste. Rosehip tea is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C and is often touted to support a healthy immune system, aid weight loss, and support healthy-looking skin.